With New England’s will-they-ever-end winters, I refuse to stay bundled in my heaviest furs, woolies, and puffer coats for possibly four months of frigidity. To both remedy the freezing temps and stick to my refusal to reach for my down parka until January, I rely on one simple trick: the vest layer.

From leather to fur, vests have been running rampant on the sartorial radars of editors and bloggers for seasons now. Finally choosing to toss one over my coat might have been the best decision I’ve made as of late (no judgment). Why didn’t I try this sooner?

For those who live in warm climates (I’m increasingly jealous of you), a vest layered over a medium-weight jacket is ideal for mild winters too.